Precautionary measure aims at child safety. In cooperation with US and Canadian safety and consumer protection authorities, the Swedish furniture retailer Ikea has voluntarily recalled nearly 3.4 million blinds sold in North America.

The recall, which was made after a New England toddler came narrowly close to being strangled by a cord last February, covers all rolling and slatted blinds sold between Jan. 1998 and June 2009. Although the blinds were sold only in the United States and Canada, an Ikea spokeswoman recommended for customers around the world to attach the control cords to the wall.

Ikea had already recalled more than 1.3 million blinds sold between November 2008 and October 2009 following similar incidents. Previously recalled roller blinds carried the names Isdans, Tupplur and Enje and also Roman blinds with the names of Melina, Iris and Alvine.

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"If installed incorrectly cords and looped bead chains could present a strangulation hazard to young children," stated the company and added, "IKEA has decided to make a proactive, precautionary recall." They added that cords and looped bead chains should always be kept out of reach of young children in order to reduce the risk of entanglement or strangulation.

"Install safety devices and reduce the access to cords and bead chains. Move cots and furniture that children could climb on away from blinds and shades," suggested Ikea experts.

Consumers who have IKEA Roller Blinds without attached tension devices, Roman Blinds or Roll-Up Blind should return these to their local IKEA store for a full refund or call Ikea for more information.